About Hart Voices

Based in Fleet, Hampshire, this mixed-voice choir dates back to the early 1960's.
In 1972 the choir split, part being re-named the Fleet Singers, but remaining under the original conductor. With the arrival of Hart District Council the choir was renamed the Hart Choral Society to encourage a wider membership. In an attempt to reflect the type of music the choir sings and the growing expertise of the choir, the name of the society was then changed to Hart Voices.
We are a mixed voice choir and we achieve a high standard of singing from a non-auditioned choir. In normal times (!), we perform four concerts each year across three terms, running from September to July. Our programme varies from major choral works and oratorio, to chamber music programmes, lighter programmes of popular numbers and regular joint ventures with folk duo Ninebarrow!
Singers come from Fleet and the surrounding area, as well as many of the outlying towns including Guildford and Basingstoke. Choir membership is currently around 50 voices, many of whom have sung with the choir for several years. The combined experience and enthusiasm of our members enables us to explore new musical horizons - both in repertoire and venue.
"He who sings frightens away his ills." Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote
We are very lucky to have a committed and flexible membership base, which has adapted marvellously to the challenges Covid-19 threw at us in 2020 & 2021. Each week, we were lucky to keep a strong contingent of singers occupied via Zoom, keeping our voices in shape and with the unique talents of our MD, Roy Rashbrook, producing several outstanding videos of our music which you can find over on YouTube. We are delighted to now be back to weekly regular in-person rehearsals!
We aim to broaden our experience, strive for quality and musicality in our performances and involve young singers wherever possible. Soloists are often drawn from the choir, and for more complex works we regularly invite professional musicians to perform with us.
Our collective enthusiasm for music makes us a very sociable choir and we also make an effort to have regular trips away when travel is permitted of course. Previous trips have included Prague, Hungary, Lithuania, Belgium, Llangollen (Wales), Barnstaple, Glasgow and Ayrshire and we are looking to get back on the road in 2023.
The Committee

Catherine Schlieben
Joint Chair

Michael Soul
Treasurer

Judith Layzell
Librarian

Clare M Thomas
Joint Chair

Mike Huddie
Concert Manager

Louise Shapley
Social Secretary

Roy Rashbrook
Musical Director

Deryck Martin
Secretary

Clare + Catherine
Publicity Team